Francis Ferguson

Francis Ferguson - Born Jan. 16, 1857, on his father's farm in Liberty Township, the son of Andrew and Mary Ferguson. His father died when he was only 81/2 years old leaving his mother with 10 children. Francis remained on the farm helping his mother until he was 25 years old. On Dec. 19, 1882, he married Louisa Jane Babcock in the United Brethren Church in Liberty Center, Ohio, and rented a farm near Westhope, Ohio, later moving to a farm closer to Westhope. Many happy times were spent with their family and neighbors fishing and picnicking on the Maumee River near Turkeyfoot Creek. In 1909 they moved to a farm near Malinta, Ohio, then to the Cuff farm near Wayne Park. The family farmed 122 acres here but in 1920 with his family gone, he and his wife moved to Napoleon. He worked at odd jobs until he retired. In May, 1930, his wife died and he gave up his house to live with his daughter, Estella Ludeman, until his death April 6, 1943. Francis and Louisa Jane became the parents of 5 children: Grover Ferguson, Estella Ferguson Ludeman, Ernest Ferguson, Floyd Ferguson, and Mary Francis Ferguson Wells. Francis is buried at Forest Hill, Napoleon, Ohio.